Mahmoud Hassan, who was nicknamed ‘Trezeguet’ by youth coach and ex-Ahly midfielder Badr Ragab due to his apparent resemblance to the French forward, is slowly rising to stardom in the ranks of his respective club and national side. Trezeguet was raised in Ahly’s ranks as a striker, and was about to join a Qatari side before he decided to stick with his boyhood club. He then developed into his current role as a central midfielder with the help of his former youth coach, Ali Maher – this is where he excelled and impressed the technical staff, earning his place as a starter in the U-18 side.

Background

He first joined Ahly’s senior team after impressing arguably the Red Devils’ most successful coach Manual Jose, who wasn’t known for promoting youth players. Mahmoud Trezeguet made his competitive debut with the club against Cairo rivals Zamalek in the 2012 CAF Champions League group stage. He earned praise for his performance in Africa’s biggest derby despite only coming on as a second-half substitute, replacing the legendary Mohamed Abou-Treika. His full debut was later in the continental competition against Berekum Chelsea, pairing with Hossam Ghaly in central midfield as they earned themselves a tough draw against the Ghanaian side under former coach Hossam El-Badry.

At the 2013 African Youth Championship, Trezeguet formed a solid midfield trio with Ahly team-mate Hossam Ghaly and tournament sensation Saleh Gomaa, whose performances were phenomenal to watch in Algeria. They were great going forward and also solid defensively, earning themselves undefeated status in Algeria and capturing the attention of numerous European scouts.

At the age of 18, Mahmoud Trezeguet started to become a regular for Al Ahly during the 2012/2013 campaign, and towards the latter half of the Egyptian Premier League season, the Cairo giants received a trial offer for the central midfielder from OGC Nice. Despite his keenness to link-up with the Ligue 1 side, he postponed the offer till after the 2013 U-20 World Cup as Ahly were burdened by injuries and were entering the semi-finals of the Egyptian Premier League (prior to its cancellation).

Egypt’s disappointing campaign at the U-20 World Cup just months after such an inspiring tournament in Algeria was a huge letdown, but that doesn’t reflect on individuals like Trezeguet – who scored in the 2-0 victory against England – as the majority of the team, including coach Rabie Yassin, didn’t live up to their hype.

Trezeguet is considered more of a shuttler than a deep-lying playmaker. His surging runs going forward, fueled with energy and great ball control are likely due to the fact that he was raised as a striker, thus improving his skills and shooting abilities. He has been regularly used by Coach Mohamed Youssef to add more dynamism and attacking threat to Ahly’s rather flat central midfield.